BSc Social Policy and Sociology

At Bristol, you won’t just learn about social issues from textbooks—you’ll actively explore them through real-world research, projects, and engagement with communities. From your very first year, you’ll be trained in research methods that allow you to collect, analyse, and present data on the social challenges shaping our world today. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to apply these skills through specialist units, independent research, and even optional work placements that connect theory to practice.

To make this learning come alive, the programme gives you access to outstanding resources and facilities:

• Hands-on research training using both quantitative and qualitative methods, with practical workshops in survey design, interviews, and statistical analysis.

• Optional placement opportunities through the Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) scheme, where you can collaborate with NGOs, policy think tanks, or local organisations to solve real policy challenges.

• Access to world-leading centres such as the Centre for the Study of Poverty and Social Justice and the Bristol Poverty Institute, where students can engage with cutting-edge policy research.

• Specialist libraries and archives including the Social Science Library and the University’s Arts and Social Sciences Library, giving you direct access to a wealth of resources in sociology and policy studies.

• Collaborative projects and group work that reflect the teamwork skills needed in careers across government, research, and the non-profit sector.

• Digital learning tools and online resources provided by the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS), helping you build transferable analytical and presentation skills.

• Supportive academic community with access to workshops, seminars, and guest lectures from active researchers and practitioners in the field.

All of this ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand how societies function but also have the research experience, policy insight, and practical skills that employers are actively looking for.

A degree in Social Policy and Sociology from Bristol opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can make a real difference. Many graduates move into roles shaping policy, conducting research, or supporting communities, while others go on to teach or work in government and NGOs. Typical graduate roles include Policy Officer, Social Researcher, Community Development Worker, and Local Government Officer.

And the University makes sure you’re ready for that next step:

• Career support: Bristol’s Careers Service will help you explore different career routes, connect with alumni, and build a strong CV through their MySkills platform and dedicated advice. You can also take advantage of the optional work placement year, giving you hands-on experience with organisations that focus on social change.

• Graduate outcomes: Around 65% of graduates from this course go straight into work, with another 20% continuing their studies. Salaries average about £25,000 within 15 months, rising to £29,500+ within five years—and the vast majority say their work is both meaningful and aligned with their goals.

• Industry connections: Staff and research groups in social sciences regularly collaborate with organisations such as Bristol City Council, Sport England, Forestry England, and Unilever, ensuring teaching stays relevant to real-world challenges.

• A respected qualification: Taught by leading experts, this joint honours degree is highly regarded and builds transferable skills in analysis, communication, and critical thinking that employers across sectors value.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree is an excellent foundation for master’s programmes such as MSc Social Policy, MSc Sociology, or research degrees (MRes/PhD). It also opens routes into professional training in areas like social work, law, and education.